Category: Lifestyle

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Gulzarish-A Unique Combination of Music & Dance!

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ARTISTIC DISPLAY OF GULZAR’S SOULFUL POETRY AND MUSIC FOR TORONTONIANS

Indian Women in Canada (iWINC), in partnership with Imagebuilderz, announced one of the classiest shows coming to Toronto later this month.    GULZARISH, an artistic display of soulful poetry and captivating music of renowned lyricist and film director GULZAR, will be presented at the Aga Khan Museum on May 31, 2019 bringing a unique combination of music and dance, accompanied by superb narration.

“We all know Gulzar – well known Indian poet, lyricist, and film director, who began his career in the sixties with the film Bandini,” said iWINC founding members at Mantra restaurant on May 4, 2019 at the prestigious Mantra restaurant in Toronto.   “Over the years, Gulzar Sahab has done films like Aandhi, Mausam and Mirza Ghalib and has won many awards including the Padma Bhushan,  the Sahitya Akademi Award and the highest award in Indian cinema, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.”

Prashant Sarnaik, founder of P.S. It’s the Karaoke Klub and the mastermind behind GULZARISH, provided a teaser of what to expect at the Live show that will be making its Canadian debut in Toronto.

“Gulzarish is the first dream project conceptualized by taking Gulzar Sahab’s fans through a mesmerizing journey of his poetry and film career by music and narration by all local artists,” said Sarnaik along with his art director Sheetal Kulkarni, providing a glimpse into the show by singing a few lines from Gulzar’s popular music including Dil to Bachcha hai ji and lakdi ki kathi, etc.  “We have a mandate to create a platform for local artists, pursue personal passion for music and fundraise for underprivileged children and women.” Continue reading “Gulzarish-A Unique Combination of Music & Dance!”

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The Best Gift for Mother’s Day?

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 Help Mom Live a Long, Healthy  Life with the Mediterranean Diet (and These Delicious Recipes)–By Amy Riolo

May is Mediterranean Diet Month, and with Mother’s Day just around the corner, most of us are busy planning the perfect present for Mom. The usual gifts of flowers and cards are nice ideas, but the greatest gift you could give your mother is helping her achieve lasting health.  The best way to show love to your mother on Mother’s Day is by making a meaningful contribution to her life. Let your mom know that you love her, and that’s why you want her to live a long, healthy, and happy life. Introducing her to the healthful and delicious dishes from the Mediterranean region is a great way to do just that.

You’ve likely heard of the Mediterranean diet, which was recently named best overall diet of 2019 and has been shown to help extend your lifespan by roughly a decade. This eating pattern has also been linked to preventing heart attacks, strokes, certain cancers, and diabetes, and reducing inflammation. It may even help lower your risk of dementia by a third.

The Mediterranean eating pattern centers around seasonal produce, fish and seafood, poultry, eggs, dairy, and small amounts of meat and sweets. Part of what makes this diet so successful is that people in the Mediterranean region consider food to be a friend and ally—a source of pleasure, nutrition, history, medicine, and tradition. When combined with lifestyle choices like communal eating and physical activity, the Mediterranean diet is believed to contribute to remarkable longevity in the region. For example, residents in Sardinia are ten times more likely to live past 100 than people in the United States.

Mother’s Day is the perfect time to help your mother make the lifestyle changes that can give her a longer and more joyful life. Continue reading “The Best Gift for Mother’s Day?”

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Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi – A Spiritual Oasis for Global Harmony

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Marking a significant moment in the history of the UAE, around 5,000 devotees and well-wishers thronged to participate in and witness the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the BAPS Hindu Mandir. Volunteers began to arrive at the site location as early as 6:00 a.m., with participants arriving at 8:00 a.m. The Shilanyas Ceremony, which is an ancient Vedic ritual performed to bless and sanctify the main foundation stones, commenced at 9:00 a.m.

This ceremony signifies the beginning of the construction of the Mandir. The Vedic ceremony was performed by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. The occasion was also graced with the presence of His Excellency Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community
Development and Member of the Executive Council, His Excellency Dr Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and His Excellency Dr Ahmad Bin Abdullah Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Cabinet Member and Minister of State for Higher Education and Advanced Skills.
Also present were His Excellency Navdeep Suri, Indian Ambassador to UAE, Vipul, the Consul General of India, and Dr. B.R. Shetty, Chairman of Mandir Ltd. After laying the foundation stones in position, water from the three main holy rivers of India was showered on the stones by His Holiness and the distinguished guests. The enthusiasm and devotion of all participants and volunteers was evident as they arrived for the Vedic ceremony. Continue reading “Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi – A Spiritual Oasis for Global Harmony”
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Mallika Sarabhai’s ‘The Colors of Her Heart’ – April 17, 2019 @ the Ailey Citigroup Theatre, NYC

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The Colors of Her Heart is a spell binding, dance-theatre-multimedia production, choreographed and directed by Mallika Sarabhai, that uses the haunting lyrics of British musician Samia Malik with the creativity visual imagery and story creating skills of Yadavan Chandran. On the stage, six women tell their poignant stories bringing awareness into the issue of gender inequality. 

What do all women across the world share as experiences? Whatever the color of their skins, whatever their language and culture, the single identity that leads to their exploitation and violence against them is their gender. With songs in Urdu and English, and stories that are both personal and universal, the heartful composition draws you into the world of women and their lives, dwelling on their experiences of vulnerability, love, pain, rejection, discrimination and violation. 

The ballet shifts between powerfully spoken monologues as accounts of the performers, group and solo dances, emotive pieces, even a ghazal that come together rhythmically with the bilingual live music by Samia Malik. The pieces reflect upon the common thread that binds all women, bringing together not just the stories of six women, but the pains, travails and victories of women of all nations. The Colors of Her Heart plays at The Ailey Citigroup Theatre on 405 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019. Continue reading “Mallika Sarabhai’s ‘The Colors of Her Heart’ – April 17, 2019 @ the Ailey Citigroup Theatre, NYC”

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Are You Living an Adventure-Starved Life? 11 Ways to Shake Things Up

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– Vella Mbenna, author of Muddy Roads Blue Skies 

Have you fallen into a routine of drudgery? Do you feel stuck there? You’re not alone. If we’re honest, many of us will admit that we’re kind of going through the motions—work, home, eat, TV, sleep, repeat—and living by default instead of design. Life isn’t bad; it’s just dull. Uninspired. Actually (and ironically), a bit lifeless. We shouldn’t just accept our adventure-starved status quo.

Life is meant to be really lived. I’ve come to believe adventure is a deep human need. We read about it in books and we watch it in movies because deep down we crave it.

And we owe it to ourselves to pursue things that give us that spark, that jolt of excitement. It doesn’t matter how old you are or what your income is. You can and should weave some adventure into your life.

Growing up in rural Georgia, I dreamed of travel and excitement. But after college I found myself broke, divorced, and struggling to raise my child alone. Continue reading “Are You Living an Adventure-Starved Life? 11 Ways to Shake Things Up”

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President of India extends greetings for Ugadi, Gudi Padava, Cheti Chand, Navreh and Sajibu Cheiraoba

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The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind in his message on the eve of Chaitra Sukladi, Ugadi, Gudi Padava, Cheti Chand, Navreh and Sajibu Cheiraoba has said: –

“On the auspicious occasion of Chaitra Sukladi, Ugadi, Gudi Padava, Chetti Chand, Navreh and Sajibu Cheiraoba, I extend my greetings and good wishes to all my fellow citizens.

Traditionally, these festivals mark the onset of New Year and the warmer months and they reflect values of prosperity and well being. Let the spirit of joy and happiness signified by these festivals pervade the heart of every Indian.

May these festivals strengthen the bonds of love and affection in our society as well as the spirit of fraternity among people across the nation”.

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has also greeted the people on the joyous and auspicious occasion of ‘Ugadi, Gudi Padava, Chaitra Sukladi and Cheti Chand’. In a message, he said that all these festivals celebrated across the country with different names and customs, mark the beginning of traditional New Year and reflect the composite culture and rich heritage of our country. Ugadi marks the beginning of the New Year and brings new hope, new joy and happiness, he added. Continue reading “President of India extends greetings for Ugadi, Gudi Padava, Cheti Chand, Navreh and Sajibu Cheiraoba”

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Out and About in Mississauga: Enjoy Spring-time Activities!

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It’s time to get out of that winter hibernation mode and give your body some much deserved vitamin D. Spring is officially here, which means it’s time to take advantage of the warmer weather and enjoy spring-time activities in Mississauga.

1) Earth Days

Earth Days 2019 is taking place from April 15 to 27. It’s your chance to take action for the environment and help make Mississauga more sustainable and climate change resilient. There are a number of activities happening throughout the week that you can participate in like a tree planting or litter awareness sessions or a 20-minute makeover litter cleanup. Be sure to register for an event!

If you’re planning to do a little spring cleaning before then, you’ll be able to drop off clothes for donation or recycle electronics at no charge throughout the week. Participating locations are Civic Centre, Central Library or any of the City’s community centres.

2) Cherry Blossoms at Kariya Park 
Did you know that Mississauga has cherry blossom trees? Kariya Park is truly a hidden gem right in the heart of Mississauga with meandering walkways, a quiet pond and hill garden and approximately 59 Cherry Blossom trees. It’s a nice place to walk around with your friends or family to enjoy the beautiful blossoms this spring.

If the trees aren’t in bloom, you can also visit one of the City’s other parks, trails and woodlands too. Continue reading “Out and About in Mississauga: Enjoy Spring-time Activities!”

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ANOKHI Media honours the South Asian community from around the world at a star- studded Summit and Masquerade Ball

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The ANOKHI POWER Summitand The ANOKHI POWER Ball 2018rolled out the red carpet to welcome some of the world’s most renowned South Asian names in the areas of music, business, technology, media, glamour and crusader, at the Sheraton Centre Hotelin the heart of Downtown Toronto, on Saturday November 3rd, 2018.

 The day began with a scrumptious VVIP networking buffet breakfast In the Ballroom of Sheraton Hotel, while the Ballroom foyer showcased vendor booths by Free-Them, T-Fal, Chef Harminder, Rubicon, The Gupta Group, Cake-Oliciousand JB Party Halls.

The ANOKHI POWER Summit 2018 began with Founder & CEO Raj Girnwelcoming the ANOKHI MEDIA teamon the stage, and thanking them for their contributions in building the brand. She also spoke about her vision for the ANOKHI brand, its evolution over the course of 15 years, and her decision to bring together all the current brand properties into the ‘ANOKHI EMPOWER ME’campaign to commemorate the milestone 15 year anniversary.

Charity organization Free-Them‘s founder and CEO Shae Invidiataspoke on the initiative’s dedication to raising awareness and funds to abolish human trafficking in Canada and abroad by partnering with people, organizations, & businesses to fight human trafficking. Continue reading “ANOKHI Media honours the South Asian community from around the world at a star- studded Summit and Masquerade Ball”

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Have the BEST backyard experience this spring and summer!

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Creating the perfect backyard is easy once you attend the Backyard Living Expo, the only consumer show in the GTA dedicated exclusively to backyards.
Come hear from celebrity experts and industry leaders on how to make your backyard the place of your dreams, regardless of your budget or the size of your yard.

Also at the show, get the tips and secrets to entertain your guests with a perfect barbecue. The Backyard Living Expo runs from Friday, March 29 through Sunday March 31, 2019 at The International Centre (6900 Airport Rd), for more information, visit http://www.thebackyardlivingexpo.com.

Learn how to make the most of your backyard from a variety of HGTV celebrities, gardeners,
chefs, DIY professionals, and outdoor build and design experts as they present on the Weber
Grill Main Stage and the Pro Series Stage each day.

Here is a sampling of who you can see at the show:

Grill Master Michael P. Clive brings you the most popular menu items offered at the Weber Grill
Academy! Learn how to prepare the best of both land and sea – and yes, dessert too – using
tips, tricks and grilling techniques to help make you a backyard hero. BroLaws discuss how to budget for your outdoorspace and the latest and greatest for the outdoor world this year.

Ted Reader can talk about all BBQ trends for 2019 and how to create the best BBQ setting
including tools, tips and accessories to create the greatest grilling experience of the summer. Continue reading “Have the BEST backyard experience this spring and summer!”

Community, India, LifestyleLeave a comment

ROM Celebrates Opening of Treasures of a Desert Kingdom:The Royal Arts of Jodhpur, India with Charity Gala

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Philanthropic community raises over $500,000 net in support of the Museum

On March 6, 2019, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) welcomed more than 500 special guests at the ROM Ball, Ontario’s preeminent cultural charity gala in
support of the Museum.

“We are immensely grateful to the many volunteers, donors and partners who helped make our signature fundraising event a terrific success for the ROM,” said Susan Horvath, President & CEO
of the ROM Governors. “It was a wonderful night celebrating one of the largest and most important exhibitions of South Asian art and culture ever presented at the Museum.”
An unforgettable evening of culture and glamour made possible with generous support from Presenting Sponsor CIBC, the spectacular biennial fundraising affair, co-chaired by Deepak and
Neera Chopra & Victor and Maureen Dodig, featured a stunning cocktail reception followed by dinner in the majestic Samuel Hall Currelly Gallery, special live performances, and an
exclusive preview of Treasures of a Desert Kingdom: The Royal Arts of Jodhpur, India, with Lead Exhibition Patron Dan Mishra. This exhibition opens to the public on March 9, 2019 in the
ROM’s Garfield Weston Exhibition Hall. Treasures of a Desert Kingdom is organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston with the collaboration of the Mehrangarh Museum Trust,
Jodhpur, India. Continue reading “ROM Celebrates Opening of Treasures of a Desert Kingdom:The Royal Arts of Jodhpur, India with Charity Gala”